Welcome back, Wafflers! Happy Friday!
I hope you all felt inspired this week. I hope you all tried something new. And I hope that you created better habits. After all, that is what it’s all about.☺️
Now, it’s time to get this weekend started! Waffle you waiting for?!
It’s so harddd… To say Goodbyeee…
We unfortunately have to kick this week’s newsletter off with some devastating news. The world has lost two Hip-Hop icons. People tend to debate on what makes an icon. I believe an icon is made by one’s impact and their impacts being felt more now than ever. Icon qualifications also include replay-value, of course. The streets are saying that artists have stopped making timeless music, and that simply isn’t true when it comes to these two…
Rich Homie Quan Passes Away at 34
The Atlanta Rapper passed away early on Thursday morning, his girlfriend confirms. The cause of death is believed to be a fentanyl overdose. An autopsy will be conducted on Friday.
DeQuantes Devontay Lamar, also known as Rich Homie Quan, is a platinum selling artist, most known for his song, “Type of Way”. Rising to fame in 2013, the rapper was one half of iconic Rich Gang duo, alongside Young Thug. Together, they took Atlanta’s trap/rap scene by storm.
Rich Homie Quan was a father of two and an active rapper, making festival appearances across the country. The nation mourns and he will surely be missed.
Fat Man Scoop Passes Away at 56
When the news spread across all media outlets on August 30th, I did not know who this man was. It made me question if anyone really knew who this man was. We may not know the name, but the voice is engraved in the ears of Hip-Hop listeners forever. Isaac Freeman III, also known as Fat Man Scoop, passed away after collapsing on stage during a performance last Friday.
He is best known for his explosive vocals on songs with Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Ciara, Timbaland, and Faith Evans, to name just a few.
California Shelves Reparations Bill
Are reparations far fetched? We are soon to find out.
California lawmakers have passed important new laws aimed at addressing and correcting past racism. However, they have decided not to allocate or approve funding needed to implement these laws effectively at this time. In other words, while the legislative steps have been taken, the financial resources required to put those steps into action are still pending. The bill has been put on the shelf, as lawmakers are not pushing the efforts to create funds or agencies that would execute these results.
Assembly member Lori Wilson says the bills were pulled by the Black Caucus, as the proposals need more work. Senator Steven Bradford says the bills were shelved out of fear that California governor, Gavin Newsom, would veto them.
Reparations are often thought of as the repayment for African-American suffering due to slavery. Reparations are warranted due to additional mistreatment in categories such a housing, education, and health disparities.
These bills are not promising direct payments to Black people, rather they are offering the return of land or repayment to families whose land was destroyed or obtained by the government. The conclusion is pending.
Lululemon Has Some LuLu-Competition
Wafflers, I need you to look to your left. Now, look to your right. I need you to ask anyone around if they are frequent shoppers at the land of leggings, Lululemon. Most are saying no? Well, one could understand. With so many brands accessible online, both new and established athleisure companies are rising in prominence and becoming serious competitors to Lululemon.
The brand had a slow start to 2024 and its shares have lost close to half of its value. This is believed to be due to consumer cautiousness when it comes to spending. Is this the beginning of the end of Lulu, or will they be able to make a successful comeback?
It is an interesting truth, as the alternative brands are costly as well. Alo, Aritzia, and Stript (black-owned) brands have risen in their sales, while still charging an arm and a leg for comfy clothing. Is it the new norm to pay a large sum of money on athleisure?
Drop some of your favorite athleisure brands with reasonable pricing in the comments.
Fashion Do ✅
Layering
The fall is here and it calls for layers! Colder seasons provide the ultimate platform for fashion, as it shows who is capable of putting together the most creative looks with staple pieces. I can’t wait to see what kinds of trends emerge.
Fashion Don’t ❌
Shein
The quality is a miss. There is never a time to shop on Shein, especially when Pretty Little Thing, Fashion Nova, and Amazon are literally right there.
Here’s What You Should Be Watching This Week
Thank me later. Cheers to saving time and allowing yourself to dive right into a show while your dinner is still hot and your wine is still fresh! Here are this week’s must- watch movies and shows!
1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Directed by THEE Tim Burton. Need I say more? I sure hope this sequel doesn’t bomb.
In theaters everywhere today.
2. Power Book II, Season 4 (2024)
Fans are holding on tight to what is the last few episodes of Power. Ever. It all comes down to this. The sixth episode of the final season of Power premiered at midnight. Written, created, and produced by Courtney A. Kemp, with 50 Cent of course.
Streaming on Starz.
3. Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024)
Created by Shaye Ogbonna. The show is based on the true story of an armed robbery that happened in 1970, the same night of Muhammad Ali's comeback fight. This event turned Atlanta into the “Black Mecca” that it is today. Everyone and their mother has a role in this limited series.
Streaming on Peacock.
4. The Front Room (2024)
This film is a scary one, but Brandy Norwood has a role in it! Some of you may enjoy.
In theaters everywhere today.
In other Television and Film News…
Terrell Grice, singer, YouTuber, and talkshow host, has returned with Season 6 of his beloved, The Terrell Show, on September 5th.
Surprise! It’s a double feature! The first two episodes of the season feature Lucky Daye and Tori Kelly. That is how you kick off a season.
Terrell is known for showcasing black artists and talent such as Keke Palmer and Kelly Rowland. As a journalist, he answers the questions we are all dying to know, sprinkles in some fun, and makes sure the artist does some singing! Be sure to tune in!
Reboots on Reboots
Two classic TV shows of the early 2000s are making a comeback. One premieres this fall.
What’s that? A hat? No, it’s a reboot! The beloved series, “Wizards of Waverly Place”, is returning to Disney Channel with a spinoff starring David Henrie, aka, Justin Russo. As Gen-Z should know, Alex, Justin’s sister won the wizard competition, forcing Justin to lose his powers and accept his fate as a mortal. Selena Gomez, who plays Alex Russo, will make an appearance in the first episode to set up the plot.
The first two episodes series will premiere October 29th on Disney Channel. Watch the First-Look here.
What do you guys think? Will it pop or flop?
Ever since the pandemic, the world can’t seem to escape the new pandemic that is rebooting old media classics. We can’t even let a show/film marinate in its glory before coming out with sequel. Some shows deserve to stay in their place in history, but society won’t let them rest.
Early 2000s teen drama, “One Tree Hill”, is getting a sequel series that is in the works at Netflix.
Sophie Bush and Hilarie Burton are the masterminds behind the reboot and are set to reprise their iconic roles as bestie duo, Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer.
In my opinion, we should have left things as they were. 2016 was the year in which I binged the classic for the first time. My sister and I were glued to the TV everyday after school.
Although we were hooked, we did not finish the series. The series, spanning nine seasons, underwent so many changes that the show I once loved became unrecognizable. The new characters were entirely off my radar, and I can’t even recall how the show ended.
Given all of this, a reboot is ominous. The news would be better received on Halloween. Pop or flop, guys? You know the drill.
“One Tree Hill” is available for streaming on Hulu, Disney +, and Max.
Woo! Go Football! 🏈
Super Bowl LVIII winners, the Kansas City Chiefs, played the Baltimore Ravens in a highly anticipated game on yesterday.
The Ravens suffered a devastating loss BY A TOE, down by 7 points at the 10 second mark in the 4th quarter. Lamar Jackson throws an incomplete pass to Isaiah Likely at the 5 second mark. A touchdown was believed to be achieved by Likely, but he missed by a toe. All hope was lost for the Ravens fans.
The Chiefs take the victory with a score of 27 to 20. What a game to kick off this ‘24 season.
Catch a Vibe
Laila! Drops! Debut! Album!
Two words. Zero features. We haven’t seen this since… Heck, I don’t think we’ve ever seen this! Laila, daughter of rap poet Mos Def, is showing the world that dropping horrible music is absolutely not a problem of hers.
The artist is known for hit songs such as, “Like That!”, and “Not My Problem”. As music evolves, Laila’s sound seamlessly aligns with the remix, interlude, sped up styles that are popular and frequently used on social media.
Be sure to listen to Laila’s debut album, out now, available on all platforms!
Jorzy’s Picks
Song of the Week - “Play It Off” by Bryson Tiller
The trap-soul artist has had several of hidden gems leaked onto Apple Music. This single may not be new to some, as I know Soundcloud is alive and well. It’s for sure giving bonus track.
“Play It Off” is one of several Bryson Tiller songs leaked under the alias, evictionoflove.
Album of the Week - “Surrender to Love” by Kindred the Family Soul
Shall I compare thee to a night of pure love and romance? Kindred the Family Soul embodies just that. The married couple rose to prominence in the early 2000s, though they might be considered underground artists by some. If you appreciate musicians like Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and D’Angelo, this album is sure to resonate with you.
There’s Something On My Heart
Jorzy’s Advice Column
✨Ladies, have a life outside of your man. I’m begging you. Keep the momentum of your own life going.✨
JINGLE TIME:
If you choose to take my advice, that’s fine. If you pass it by, that is also fine.
Your path is yours, so create your own way. In the end, I hope it stays.
Until next week, folks. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts or ask for advice!
Holiday Countdown
The holiday season is upon us, everyone. Get ready—it's going to be a fantastic time!
55 Days Until Halloween 🎃
83 Days Until Thanksgiving 🦃
110 Days Until Christmas🎄
116 Days Until New Years Eve🥂
117 Days Until New Years Day🎊